Mediterranean Gull vs Black-legged Kittiwake
Larus melanocephalus compared with Rissa tridactyla
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Gull | Black-legged Kittiwake |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Larus melanocephalus | Rissa tridactyla |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae | Laridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 60.5 cm (23.8 in) | 60.2 cm (23.7 in) |
| Weight | 282.5 g (9.96 oz) | 439.3333333333333 g (15.50 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-5 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Mediterranean Gull only
Black-legged Kittiwake only
None
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Mediterranean Gull
Vulnerable
Black-legged Kittiwake
About These Birds
Mediterranean Gull
Mediterranean Gull, 36–38 cm, has expanded dramatically since the 1970s, breeding across Europe from the Black Sea to Britain. Pure white body, jet-black hood in breeding plumage — the only gull with entirely white wingtips. Piscivore and invertivore; nests in colonies, often with Black-headed Gulls.
Black-legged Kittiwake
Black-legged Kittiwake, 38–40 cm, wingspan 91–105 cm, is the most abundant gull globally, with millions breeding on cliff ledges across the North Atlantic and Pacific. White body, grey mantle, solid black wing tips, yellow bill, black legs. Pelagic piscivore outside breeding. Vulnerable; declining.